Wish 4 Fish charity holding fundraiser to reel in more supporters

Magic Moments: Wish 4 Fish Charitable Trust founder Bryce Dinneen is urging like-minded people to join him at the trust's gala fundraiser at Mills Reef next week. Photo/John Borren.

Wish 4 Fish Charitable Trust is set to launch a supporters club as the charity moves towards the next phase of its development.

Founder Bryce Dinneen said the supporters club would be officially launched at a gala fundraising luncheon being held at Mills Reef on September 23.

The $100 ticketed event included a scrumptious three-course meal, a drink on arrival, followed by auctions and giveaways.

"Everything from sporting memorabilia like Richie McCaw stuff to fishing trips and seafood packages will be up for grabs, so there will be something for everyone," he said.

Mr Dinneen said the trust had received awesome backing from Mills Reef winery which offered the venue for free, and Eve's Realty Group which was the major naming sponsor.

Plus a number of local businesses, including Tauranga Pakn'Save and the owners of Z fuel station on 11th Ave and Cameron Rd had also come on board as supporters.

"Without their support this event would not happen," Mr Dinneen said.

Mr Dinneen, who became a tetraplegic in 2007 following a swimming accident, established the trust in 2011 to enable people with disabilities to enjoy time out on the water.

"We want to encourage like-minded people to join us for this awesome event, and sign up to our supporters club. People can contribute to this great cause for less than the price of a cup of coffee a week," he said.

Mr Dinneen said the charity, with the help of enthusiastic boat charter operators, had been taking people with varying disabilities out to sea for fishing and boating trips.

The benefits of this programme were endless, both for disabled clients and their families, and "the more money we raise the more people we can help," he said.

"We have had a number of magic moments on these charter trips, including back in April when we took four stroke victims out on to Tauranga Harbour, three of whom were non-verbal. One man was brought to tears from the experience."

Mr Dinneen said the long-term goal was to buy a 13-metre displacement catamaran and the trust had set up a Givealittle page - https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/pronoah

To buy tickets for the September 23 luncheon email bryce@wish4fish.co.nz or call him on 021 616 601.